On Zhen Tian Sect's True Disciple Peak, Gu Yuan sat cross-legged on a cushion, absorbing the pure spiritual energy emanating from it. He channeled the energy into his body, where it was eagerly consumed by his flesh and blood.
After a long while, Gu Yuan opened his eyes and exhaled a breath of turbid air. He stepped out of his cave dwelling and gazed at the refreshing scenery outside, his mind deep in thought.
He had been with Zhen Tian Sect for over a month. Since the day he comprehended "Fist Suppressing Rivers and Mountains," the sect's surveillance over him had lessened. It had gradually decreased, and now it was almost nonexistent. But it wasn't time yet. Gu Yuan sighed softly. He would wait a while longer.
Now that he was a strong cultivator at the Dharma Aspect Realm, his progress was no longer as rapid as when he first began. Everyone at his stage progressed slowly, unless they had a rare opportunity for enlightenment, like a few days ago, which greatly increased his Dharma Aspect cultivation. Such fortunate encounters were rare and unpredictable.
Therefore, Gu Yuan turned his attention to the system bestowed by the Martial Ancestor, intending to travel to the next system world for cultivation to rapidly increase his strength. However, the constant surveillance by Zhen Tian Sect necessitated extreme caution. He could only proceed to the system world and complete system missions once the sect's attention was no longer focused on him.
"Gu Yuan!" A voice called out, pulling Gu Yuan back to reality. He looked up and saw Jiang Muqing, who was waving at him from across the way.
"I've made some spirit food. Would you like to try some?" Jiang Muqing asked with a smile.
"Okay, wait for me," Gu Yuan replied with a smile, nodding.
"Alright, be quick," Jiang Muqing said before turning to leave.
Gu Yuan watched Jiang Muqing's retreating figure and sighed, truly bewildered as to how he had attracted her attention. The first time he met her was when he was practicing his fists. The second time was when he sparred with An Gang on the peak above, and she had been drawn to the scene. Since that encounter, her attitude towards him seemed to have changed. Every time he ventured out, she would appear soon after, inviting him with a different excuse each time.
Due to the sect's surveillance, Gu Yuan felt it was wise to familiarize himself with these true disciples. Staying cooped up in his cave dwelling would surely attract attention. Thus, Gu Yuan would often come out, either sparring with An Gang or visiting Jiang Muqing to sample her spirit food. Strangely, even with the same ingredients, Jiang Muqing's dishes, while not absolutely exquisite, were top-notch. More importantly, they significantly strengthened his physique, far more than his own cooking. Gu Yuan suspected Jiang Muqing had mastered a heritage known as spirit food, capable of enhancing the body.
He wanted to acquire this knowledge, but first, he needed to build a good relationship with Jiang Muqing. Originally, Gu Yuan would have declined her invitations. However, after experiencing the physical enhancement, he no longer refused. After all, a single meal could compensate for several days of arduous cultivation. Why refuse? Freebies were truly wonderful!
Returning to his cave dwelling, Gu Yuan picked up a clay pot. Reciprocity was important; he couldn't keep accepting freebies without offering anything in return. For instance, this fruit wine. He had found it in a secluded corner of the Zhen Tian Sect's scripture library. It seemed untouched for decades and contained various fruit wines, made from both mortal and spirit fruits. The effect of the spirit fruit wine was particularly beneficial for his current cultivation. Primarily, this jar of fruit wine served the purpose of beautifying and rejuvenating the skin. Moreover, it had a low alcohol content, akin to a beverage with a wine aroma, making it suitable for Jiang Muqing. He hadn't brought it before because he was letting it ferment, but this time, he would let her taste it.
With these thoughts, Gu Yuan left his cave dwelling and slowly flew towards Jiang Muqing's residence. Upon arriving, a glowing defensive array blocked his path. Gu Yuan called out, "True Disciple Jiang, please open your defensive array."
Soon, a human-sized opening appeared in the array. Jiang Muqing, being a woman of considerable talent, status, and striking beauty, was constantly under the gaze of many men. Therefore, her defensive array was always active to prevent unwanted individuals from entering her dwelling.
Gu Yuan's interaction with Jiang Muqing also served another purpose. As the saying goes, "Beauty is a source of trouble." With so many men vying for Jiang Muqing's attention, his frequent contact with her would surely provoke jealousy. This would inevitably lead to trouble, and thus, he would gain combat experience! Gu Yuan was confident in his abilities. While the Dharma Aspect Realm wasn't invincible, he certainly wouldn't be defeated. As for those in the Dao Heaven Realm, they were all elders of the sect and wouldn't engage in petty disputes over romantic rivalry. After all, as a newcomer, instigating trouble with others would displease the sect leader. It would be akin to a centenarian attempting suicide, courting death! He preferred others to seek him out. Then, he could act as the hero, defeat them, and enhance his prestige within Zhen Tian Sect, which would be useful for his future plans.
Entering Jiang Muqing's cave dwelling, a peculiar aroma filled his nostrils. Gu Yuan took a deep breath. He saw Jiang Muqing emerge from within, carrying a plate of exquisitely prepared dishes. "True Disciple Jiang, I've troubled you," he said with a smile.
Jiang Muqing shook her head and replied with a smile, "Not at all. Come, it's ready."
Looking at the captivating Jiang Muqing, Gu Yuan was puzzled. She maintained a cold demeanor towards others, even other true disciples, yet her attitude towards him was so warm, even inviting him for a meal. An Gang had told Gu Yuan that they had become true disciples within a year of each other, yet they had exchanged barely a handful of words, and she had never smiled at him. He had also heard that no other man had received such special attention from Jiang Muqing.
Something was amiss, and it was no small matter. Gu Yuan was not afraid; he had nothing to lose, and his strength could withstand any challenge. Even if he were used as a shield, he wouldn't be at a disadvantage, especially considering the immense benefit he derived from Jiang Muqing's spirit food. He would remain vigilant.
Lost in thought, he maintained a smile on his face and approached the pavilion outside the cave dwelling. On the stone table, four or five dishes were already laid out, all exuding an enticing aroma and appearance. Gu Yuan could clearly sense a potent spiritual energy emanating from them, highly beneficial for his physique. His resources had been nearly depleted during his breakthrough to the Dharma Aspect Realm, so any savings were welcome.
"True Disciple Gu, please begin," Jiang Muqing said, her face beaming. A subtle, unreadable intensity flickered in her eyes.